About the course
The course is delivered at University Centre Myerscough and awarded by the University of Central Lancashire. This innovative and dynamic course focusses on the application of Farriery science to professional practice and provides a unique opportunity for suitably qualified Farriers to enhance their personal and professional development.
The course has been structured to provide a flexible opportunity to study through a combination of distance (online) learning and on-campus delivery (students are expected to attend for 2 study days per month from September to May).
In addition, students on the course will be offered the opportunity to take the Train the Training Farrier Award (TTFA) course as a free additional qualification between years one and two of the programme which will enhance their coaching and mentoring skills and encourage them to become approved training farriers (ATFs).
Key Information
Location: Preston Campus
Course length: Two Years (60 weeks)
Start date: August 2025
Interested in taking this course? Click here to apply for this course online
Course Modules
Farriery Clinical Case Studies
This module will enable the student to demonstrate their ability to work independently in the production of a negotiated project of the student's choice on an area of special clinical interest. The content of the module will be directed and identified during the exploration of the nature of the project. The project will demonstrate critical reflective and analytical skills in the selection, preparation and presentation of material. In the process of evaluation and analysis it will be necessary for the student to conduct case studies. This module will develop the observational and analytical skills necessary to enable the student to achieve this.
Farriery Protocols
The student will acquire knowledge of physiologically based foot trimming protocols and how changes in the stance can be affected by hoof growth. The student will analyse the performance of the horse's gait and help manage lameness developing a greater understanding of the biomechanical effects of farriery interventions.
Lameness Assessment and Diagnostic Imaging of the Equine Lower Limb
his module will include theoretical knowledge of the radiographic diagnostic techniques employed in veterinary practice and the significance of the relevant health and safety implications. The principles of radiation, radiography and emerging imaging techniques will be covered. The module content will be focused on common pathologies in the modern sports/leisure horses. This module will enable the student to develop an understanding of diagnostic techniques, and interpretation for farriery based podiatric therapies prescribed by attending Veterinary Surgeons.
Modern Approaches to Farriery
This module Introduces the student to a variety of engineering processes required to fabricate remedial and therapeutic prosthetic devices including shoes. The module will also cover the use of polymers and acrylics and new approaches in equine hoof care.
YEAR 1
Professional, Academic and Research Skills
The aim of the module is to enhance the student�s study, information technology, written, presentational, effective communication, numerical and professional skills. It will also foster research awareness, critical appraisal skills, the development of transferable skills, including the capacity for self-management, and the introduction of the concept of life-long learning as a professional. The module will also provide a holistic underpinning knowledge of anatomy and physiology which can be applied to their clinical practice. The acquisition of such skills and knowledge will enable the student to search for, identify and retrieve essential material of appropriate academic rigour and present information to an acceptable academic standard, skills which will enhance their academic performance throughout subsequent qualification modules.
YEAR 2
Pathophysiology of the Equine Limb
An appreciation of the pathology common diseases and disorders of the equine limb including aetiology, clinical signs, veterinary and farriery treatment protocols, how disease affects biomechanical function and prognostic indicators. The student will practise applying farriery protocols accurately accounting for biomechanical and environmental variation for common pathological conditions with the aid of diagnostic techniques.
Entry requirements & additional information
The minimum qualification for entry will be a tariff agreement of advanced standing into Level 5 complete. Students must be qualified registered farriers, listed on the Farriers Registration Council (FRC) register having gained the Diploma of the Worshipful Company of Farriers (Dip WCF) and have a minimum of one year of post qualification experience, taken from the date of first registration. During their studies the student is required to be employed in, or have agreed access to placement in a suitable farriery clinical environment for a minimum of 12 weeks annually.
Students from outside the UK will be expected to register with the Farriers Registration Council (FRC) and should contact the FRC in advance to get further information on the up to date requirements for registration.
Applicants who believe they may be eligible for Accreditation of Prior Experience/Learning (APE/L) for certain modules will be considered on an individual basis. Transferable/Key Skills and AS levels may be used to contribute to the entry requirement but they are not sufficient for entry on their own. Career experience of student skills may also be considered.
Applicants for whom English is a second language must be able to demonstrate proof of International English Language Testing System (IELTS) at level 6.0 or equivalent. The applicant must forward evidence of eligibility to the College prior to acceptance on the course.
All offers may be subject to successful interview.
Learning Environment:
Learning activities on the course are diverse, including lesson delivery on Canvas for each module the student is studying, and lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops during the study days. Students will be expected to undertake extensive independent study and research to support lectures, seminars and assessments. Group work and collaboration will form an important part of the course and the student�s personal and professional development. Students will also have access to specialist IT hardware and software where necessary to support their studies.
Assessment:
Students will face a variety of assessments including a combination of coursework, unseen examinations and practical assessments. The coursework assessment methods will include essays, reports and case study work.
Additional Information:
We are mindful of the extra support required by students taking the blended learning route and have included in the course, study provision events at the Myerscough campus. Prior to the commencement of the course, an intensive introductory 2 day study programme will be held in early September. It is vitally important that students attend these first study days as we will be able to assess the support required, provide technical advice on the use of Canvas, discuss the course, introduce the course leader, module and personal tutors and begin lesson delivery for all modules. It is also an opportunity for students to ask any questions which they might have about the course and to meet their fellow students, beginning the development of the peer support network which they will find very helpful during their studies with us at Myerscough. In addition, there will be 2 study days in College per month from October to May.
Year 2 of the course involves 2 study days in College per month from October to May and students are expected to attend them all as part of the course.
The study day sessions will include theoretical and practical sessions, seminars, specialist guest speakers, interactive workshops and group discussions in addition to affording opportunities for exchange of information within peer groups, group and individual tutorial sessions with module and personal tutors. Myerscough has excellent teaching, practical and clinical resources and specialist farriery and veterinary guest speakers, experts in their fields, who are a key component of the study weekend programmes. Accommodation on campus cannot be guaranteed but a comprehensive list of local accommodation is available on request.
What work experience can I get?
The nature of the course, which embraces module outcomes from both a theoretical and clinical perspective, necessitates access to practice. Students will therefore be required to be employed in, or have agreed access to, placement in a suitable farriery clinical environment for at least 12 weeks annually.
Upon successful completion of the course students may apply for further academic opportunities including the BSc (Hons) Farriery course, which is completed part-time via blended learning.
Access to a personal computer, the internet and a current email account is essential, recommended computer software requirements are:
Microsoft Windows 10 (or equivalent)
Broadband internet access
The following software is available as free downloadable software and will also be required:
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC (2017)
Adobe Flash Player 26.0.0.131
Extra Costs:
Additional costs for items that are essential for the course include:
Books - approximately �500 (recommended texts will be indicated on reading lists)
Accommodation during study periods at Myerscough College.